Four churches in mid-Norfolk have been broken into this weekend causing damage to stained glass windows and seeing charity boxes stolen.

Churches at Mattishall, Swanton Morley, Shipdham and Necton were all targeted between Friday and Saturday morning.

Four churches in mid-Norfolk have been broken into this weekend causing damage to stained glass windows and seeing charity boxes stolen.

Churches at Elsing, Swanton Morley, Shipdham and Necton were all targeted between Friday and Saturday morning.

Most, like All Saints Church at Necton, had just been decorated by church members for Christmas.

The thieves had forced open an ancient stained glass window, breaking the leading, to get into the Norman All Saints church.

They also scrawled graffiti on the walls, smashed through an internal glass door to get into the church's Mason Room and broke into the kitchen and parish room - all the day before the church's Christingle service today.

Although little was taken the damage caused will mean now more money needs to be raised to pay for repairs.

Sgt Terry Scott of the Dereham Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “These really are despicable acts that will leave the communities wondering who would do such a thing, especially at the very time of year when most people are looking to their churches to provide them with a focal point for the Christmas period.

“We would ask the public to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to the Police, by working together we can help to keep our communities safe.”

Anyone with any information about the break-ins are asked to contact police on 0845 4564567 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.